Create A Visual Argument About Your Identity

Create a Visual Argument About Your Iden

For this assignment, you will create a visual argument about your identity. Using a medium or technology of your choice, you will need to do the following: Create an artifact that visualizes or explains some aspect of your identity. Make sure to focus on your identity or personality traits. Some ideas include: Creating a professional poster using PowerPoint, creating a slide show presentation, or making a digital picture collage.

In a 2-page essay, discuss the following: What is the identity trait or category you are depicting? How would you define it? Why did you choose this trait? Is it a defining part of your identity, or rather an element of your identity by which you would rather not be characterized? How does this identity trait/category impact your life? Is there a defining event or moment which characterizes this? How do other people perceive or understand this element of your identity? What is it that you want people to learn about you?

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a visual argument about one's identity offers a powerful means of self-expression and understanding. For this essay, I will focus on the trait of resilience, a core element of my personality that has significantly shaped my life and worldview. Resilience, defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt to adversity, is fundamental to understanding my identity because it reflects my capacity to withstand challenges and grow through hardship. I chose this trait because it embodies both my personal experiences and my outlook on life, serving as a reminder of the strength I possess in overcoming obstacles.

Resilience, as an element of my identity, is both a defining trait and an aspirational quality. It has been instrumental in my development, especially during pivotal moments that tested my mental and emotional strength. One such event was the sudden illness of a close family member, which thrust me into a caregiving role while simultaneously managing my academic responsibilities. This period of intense stress required me to dig deep and find internal resources to manage the emotional toll and logistical challenges. It was through this experience that I realized resilience was not just a passive trait but an active process of adaptation and perseverance.

My choice of resilience as a focus stems from its centrality to my life's narrative. It has enabled me to approach setbacks with a growth mindset and a belief that difficulties can be opportunities for personal development. This trait influences my daily interactions, career choices, and relationships, motivating me to persevere despite setbacks and to view failures as learning opportunities. The impact of resilience on my life is evident in my ability to maintain optimism, adapt to change, and persist toward my goals even when faced with adversity.

Perception by others varies; some see resilience as a testament to my strength and determination, while others may overlook the emotional vulnerability that often accompanies such resilience. I want people to understand that resilience is not about denying vulnerability but rather about harnessing inner strength to overcome challenges. It is crucial for others to recognize that resilience involves a combination of emotional awareness, support-seeking, and perseverance.

Ultimately, I want my visual artifact and accompanying essay to communicate that resilience is a vital part of my identity. Through imagery or visual elements—such as a metaphorical depiction of a storm followed by calm, or a resilient plant thriving against harsh conditions—I aim to convey the message that resilience is a dynamic, active process that shapes who I am. My hope is that viewers understand resilience as a strength that is cultivated through experience and determination, rather than an innate trait.

References

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• Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary magic: Resilience processes in development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227–238.
• Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2002). The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength. Broadway Books.
• Southwick, S. M., & Charney, D. S. (2012). Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges. Cambridge University Press.
• Wright, M. O., Masten, A. S., & Narayan, A. J. (2013). Resilience in Development. In M. D. Lewis (Ed.), Handbook of Developmental Psychopathology (pp. 663-693). Springer.
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• Ungar, M. (2011). The social ecology of resilience: A handbook of theory and practice. Springer.